Mastering GRE Reading Comprehension

Dreading those dense GRE Reading Comprehension passages? You’re not alone. While these passages pack quite a punch in terms of information density, mastering them isn’t impossible. Here’s are 5 must know GRE RC strategies that are your roadmap to RC success.

Breaking Down the GRE Verbal Section #

First things first – know what you’re up against. The Verbal section comes in two parts:

• Section 1 throws 12 questions at you (roughly 6 RC questions)
• Section 2 ups the ante with 15 questions (expect 7-8 RC questions)

What to Expect: Passages and Questions #

Each section typically features:

• One chunky passage (300-400 words) paired with 3-4 questions
• Several bite-sized passages (100-200 words) with single questions

Question Formats in Your Arsenal #

Most questions (80-90%) are straightforward MCQs with 5 options. The rest? They mix it up with:

• “Select-in-passage” questions where you highlight relevant text
• Three-option MCQs where multiple answers might be correct

Your Battle Plan for RC Success #

1. Sharp Skimming Skills: Your Secret Weapon #

Think of skimming like watching your favorite TV show. You naturally focus on the plot points while processing background details subconsciously. That’s exactly what you need here.

Jump into the #wizreadswednesdays challenge on Wizako’s social media channels. Every Wednesday brings a fresh article with practice questions, followed by Thursday’s explanations. It’s the perfect way to clock your daily 30-minute reading practice. Access past Wizreads articles free on the focused GRE RC Blog.

Quick tips for effective skimming:

• Zero in on topic sentences
• Track those transition words
• Grab the first and last sentences of each paragraph

2. Note-Taking: Your Mental GPS #

Your brain loves engagement. Whether you’re muttering under your breath or scribbling notes, keeping your mind active while reading boosts comprehension dramatically. Try these approaches:

• Map it mentally: Create quick thought bubbles
• Talk it through: Quietly process key points
• Jot it down: Hit these highlights on your scratch pad
• Paragraph themes
• Key terms
• Author’s attitude
• Critical numbers or dates

3. Question Types: Know Your Territory #

Ready to dive deep? Wizako’s self-paced GRE prep course packs 82 video lessons with 10.5 hours of RC wisdom. Meanwhile, here’s your quick guide to the question types you’ll face:

Main Idea Questions #

Don’t get lost in the details. Hunt for the big picture connecting multiple paragraphs. Watch out for answers that zoom in too closely on specific points.

Detail Questions #

These require precision. Spot keywords, locate the relevant section, and verify directly. Don’t fall for lookalike answers that twist the original meaning.

Inference Questions #

Channel your inner detective. Look for clues, but don’t jump to conclusions beyond the passage’s scope.

Strengthen/Weaken Questions #

Spot the argument first. Then evaluate evidence that either bolsters or challenges it. Focus on logical connections between ideas.

Structure/Organization Questions #

Notice how ideas flow. Track transition words and understand each paragraph’s role in the bigger picture.

4. Time Management: The Clock Is Your Friend #

Stay on track with these time blocks:

• Long passages (3-4 questions): 6-7 minutes
• 2-3 minutes to digest the content
• 1-1.5 minutes per question
• Short passages (1 question): 2 minutes flat
• 1 minute to grasp the content
• 1 minute to tackle the question

5. Your Reading Game Plan #

Develop a rhythm:

1. Peek at the first question
2. Dive into the introduction
3. Sweep through body paragraphs
4. Nail the conclusion
5. Attack questions while the content’s fresh

Remember: Dense passages are part of the GRE game. Success comes from combining smart strategies with consistent practice. Wizako’s comprehensive self-paced GRE prep course offers exactly what you need – structured learning through 82 video lessons, detailed question-type strategies, and extensive practice materials.

Pro Tip: Mix official ETS materials with Wizako’s course for the perfect prep cocktail. The course’s structured approach, combined with real test questions, creates an unbeatable preparation strategy.

GRE Reading Comprehension: Frequently Asked Questions #

Test Structure and Format #

Q: How many RC passages can I expect in each Verbal section?
A: Each GRE Verbal section typically includes one long passage (300-400 words) with 3-4 questions and several shorter passages (100-200 words) with one question each. The first section has approximately 6 RC questions out of 12 total questions, while the second section has 7-8 Reading Comprehension questions out of 15 total questions.

Q: What types of RC passages appear on the GRE?
A: The GRE features passages from various academic disciplines including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. They often discuss abstract concepts, theories, historical developments, or scientific findings.

Q: Are the questions always in the same format?
A: While most questions are traditional MCQs with 5 options, you’ll occasionally encounter “select-in-passage” questions or MCQs where you need to select all correct answers from 3 options.

Preparation Strategy #

Q: How long should I spend practicing RC daily?
A: Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to focused reading practice. You can follow Wizako’s #wizreadswednesdays on social media for curated practice materials and explanations.

Q: Should I read the questions first or the passage first?
A: It’s generally recommended to quickly glance at the first question before reading the passage, as this can help focus your reading. For subsequent questions, address them after reading the complete passage.

Q: How do I improve my reading speed without losing comprehension?
A: Start by practicing active reading with Wizako’s RC video lessons that teach effective skimming techniques. Focus on understanding paragraph structure, identifying main ideas, and recognizing transition points.

Common Challenges #

Q: What if I run out of time before completing all RC questions?
A: Stick to strict time limits: 6-7 minutes for long passages with multiple questions, and 2 minutes for short passages with single questions. With practice you’ll develop better time management skills.

Q: How do I handle difficult vocabulary in RC passages?
A: Focus on context clues to understand unfamiliar words. Most RC questions test comprehension of ideas rather than vocabulary. The meaning of crucial terms is usually clear from the context.

Q: What’s the best way to handle dense, technical passages?
A: Break them down into smaller chunks. Focus on understanding the author’s main argument and how each paragraph contributes to it. Pay special attention to topic sentences and conclusion statements.

Scoring and Performance #

Q: How much does RC performance impact my overall Verbal score?
A: RC questions typically make up about 50% of your Verbal section, making them crucial for your overall performance. Strong RC skills can significantly boost your Verbal score.

Q: How can I track my RC improvement?
A: Keep a log of your performance on practice tests, noting patterns in question types you find challenging. Wizako’s self-paced course includes progress tracking and targeted practice materials for specific question types.

Specific Question Types #

Q: How do I approach “select-in-passage” questions?
A: Read the question carefully to understand exactly what you’re looking for. Scan the passage for relevant information, and verify that your selected text fully answers the question without including irrelevant information.

Q: What’s the strategy for inference questions?
A: Look for evidence that supports logical conclusions within the passage. Avoid answers that require outside knowledge or make assumptions beyond what’s directly supported by the text.

Additional Resources #

Q: Where can I find high-quality RC practice materials?
A: Combine official ETS materials with Wizako’s comprehensive GRE prep course, which includes 82 video lessons specifically for RC, totaling 10.5 hours of focused instruction and practice.

Q: How often should I take full-length practice tests?
A: Take a full-length practice test only after learning all relevant concepts. In the last 2 to 3 weeks take two GRE Mock Tests a week to assess your progress and build stamina. Focus on analyzing your mistakes and understanding patterns in your performance.